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Your Guide to Beach Flags, Rip Currents & Local Rules

Welcome to Miramar Beach, Florida! As you soak up the sun and enjoy our sugar-white sands, your safety is our top priority. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along the shore, understanding local beach safety guidelines ensures a fun and secure experience for everyone.

Beach Flag Warning System

Miramar Beach uses a color-coded flag system to inform beachgoers about current surf conditions

 

  • Double Red Flags: Water closed to the public.
  • Red Flag: High hazard – high surf and/or strong currents.
  • Yellow Flag: Medium hazard – moderate surf and/or currents.
  • Green Flag: Low hazard – calm conditions, exercise caution.
  • Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life present (e.g., jellyfish, stingrays).

 

Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions is prohibited and may result in a $500 fine and criminal charges.

 

For real-time updates, text "SAFETY" to 31279. 

Beach Rules & Regulations

Leave No Trace: Remove all personal items from the beach each night. Unattended items will be removed.

 

Permits Required: For vehicles, dogs, and bonfires.

 

Prohibited Items: Glass containers, camping, and charcoal grills.

 

Dune Protection: Stay off dunes and maintain a 15-foot setback from dunes and the water's edge for emergency access.

 

Tent Guidelines: Tents larger than 10'x10' are prohibited; all tents must be placed on the upper half of the beach with a 4-foot walkway between them.

 

Digging Holes: Holes must not exceed 3 feet in width or 2 feet in depth and should not be left unattended.

 

Other Prohibitions: No solicitation, littering, nudity, or excessive noises.

Rip Current Awareness

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from the shore and can quickly pull swimmers out to deeper water. They often form near breaks in sandbars or around piers and can be difficult to spot, even on calm days. Understanding how to recognize and respond to rip currents is essential to staying safe while enjoying the Gulf waters. Here's how to stay safe:

Identifying Rip Currents:

  • Darker, deeper water between breaking waves.
  • A line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving seaward.
  • A break in the incoming wave pattern.

 

If Caught in a Rip Current:

  • Remain calm; don't fight the current.
  • Float or tread water until the current weakens.
  • Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, then swim back to the beach at an angle.

If You See Someone in Trouble:

  • Call 911 immediately, providing accurate location details.
  • Do not attempt a rescue yourself; throw them a flotation device if available.

 

Lifeguards are stationed at regional beach accesses from March 1 to October 31, with limited coverage year-round.

By following these guidelines, you help preserve the natural beauty of Miramar Beach and ensure a safe experience for everyone. For more information, visit Visit South Walton Beach Safety.

Enjoy your stay and thank you for being a responsible beachgoer!

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